Page 22 of Only You

Chapter Thirteen

Andrew

Andrew stared at the woman in front of him, amazed to have Ana in his home. When he’d called and asked to speak to Robin, he wasn’t one hundred per cent sure what he was doing. When he’d left his number, he wasn’t even sure she’d use it or if she’d want anything to do with him or Olivia. It was not like things with her sister had ended well. It was not like he’d ever really got to know Ana. She had been someone in the background. Hardly mentioned and barely visible during the three and a half years he and Eva had been together. He wasn’t even sure what had prompted him to ring Robin Downsend earlier that day, but as he looked at the distressed young woman in front of him, he was pleased he had made that call.

∞∞∞

It had been a spur-of-the-moment decision when Andrew picked up the phone.

“Mount Crystals, Ellie speaking. How may I help?” a chirpy voice answered on the third ring.

Andrew took a deep breath, unable to believe he was actually doing this. “Hi, Ellie. I was wondering if I could speak to Robin Downsend, please.”

“Of course, sir. Who may I say is calling?”

“Tell him it’s Andrew Dennison.”

Andrew knew Robin Downsend would have no idea who he was. He just hoped he’d be willing to take his call.

“If you could hold the line Mr Dennison, I’ll see if Mr Downsend is available.”

The phone clicked, and classical music filled the void. As he waited, Andrew once again questioned his actions. Before he had time to hang up, a voice came over the phone.

“Mr Dennison. This is Robin Downsend. How can I help?”

Maybe one of the plus points of working on national television was strangers took his calls.

“Hi, Robin. I was wondering if I could ask a favour. One of your waitresses Santana Lewis, sorry, Ana.”

Robin interrupted, “I’m sorry, Andrew, but I can’t discuss any of my staff. I hope you understand.”

“No, it’s nothing like that,” Andrew said, realising how bad this must sound. An older man asking after a beautiful young woman like Ana. “Ana is my sister-in-law – sorry was my sister-in-law. She’s now my ex-sister-in-law.” Andrew paused. He must sound like a crazy person. Huffing out a breath, he started again. “I was wondering if I could leave my number for Ana. She is my ex-sister-in-law, my daughter’s aunt, and we haven’t seen her in seven years. I wondered if she wanted to make contact, but the ball is completely in her court.”

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

“There is no pressure, I promise,” Andrew added quickly. “If she wants, she can put it straight in the bin, and I will never bother her again. But can I ask you to pass my number on to Ana? I would just like her to have it. As her ex-brother-in-law, not as a stalker.” Andrew almost groaned aloud at his words, realising that is exactly what every stalker would probably say.

What was this? A highly intelligent man, who stood up in public, presented papers to colleagues on his findings, had a slot on national TV, was turning into a bumbling idiot over leaving his telephone number for his ex-sister-in-law. He must need a holiday. Things were clearly getting too much.

“I can certainly pass it on, but what she chooses to do with it is up to her,” Robin said, his voice cool. Robin’s protectiveness towards his staff left Andrew feeling oddly pleased.

“Thank you, that is all I ask.”

Andrew had given his number to Robin, who said he would pass it on to Ana during her next shift. As Andrew ended the call, he realised Robin had been careful not to mention when that was.

It had clearly been that evening.

∞∞∞

“I’m sorry,” Ana mumbled. “I didn’t know where else to go. I left my phone.”

Andrew saw how pale she looked and wondered what had happened. No phone and no money. The taxi driver had mentioned a guy chasing after her when he had gone to pay him, but he’d refused to accept his money. The taxi driver had said he was just glad she was safe. Andrew had made a note of his taxi number and would ensure they compensated him.

He deserved it.

“Where’s your phone?” he asked.

He didn’t want to spook Ana or get her to freeze up on him. He also didn’t want to make any assumptions. The guy chasing after her could have been a lover or a boyfriend. He realised apart from knowing she worked as a waitress, he knew little to nothing about the woman sitting on his sofa.

---